New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton wasn't pleased with the way the Saints 24-23 loss to the Detroit Lions was officiated.
"I thought the penalties ended up hurting us," he said. "I wasn't
happy with how that game was officiated, I'll leave it at that, and yet
that wasn't the reason in the end."
Payton was seen arguing with officials several times throughout the
game, including referee Terry McAulay at the game's conclusion.
The Saints were flagged 12 times for 134 yards, including several pass-interference calls that killed drives or aided Detroit.
Payton didn't name any specific penalties, but four stood out as particularly detrimental to the Saints.
In the second quarter, Matthew Stafford's pass fell incomplete on
third-and-2. Rookie cornerback Brian Dixon, who appeared to get his legs
tangled with Golden Tate's, was flagged for a 31-yard pass-interference
penalty. The Lions kicked a field goal a few plays later.
Marques Colston was flagged for offensive pass interference late in
the third quarter on third-and-5 after Pierre Thomas made a catch to
secure the first down. The Saints didn't convert on third down and
punted.
Center Tim Lelito was flagged for an illegal blindside block in the
fourth quarter that put the Saints in a first-and-25 situation. The
Saints were forced to punt after failing to convert on third-and-15.
Rafael Bush was also flagged for pass interference on fourth-and-5, with
the Lions knocking at the Saints' end zone. The Lions got an automatic
first down, and scored the go-ahead touchdown three plays later.
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